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Tis' the season to pass the love! Baked Bros Holiday Food Drive is collecting non-perishable food items for Arizona families in need. Baked Bros will have donation boxes at Dr. Reeferalz Offices and at Education Days, which take place at dispensaries throughout the Valley.

Education Days showcase Baked Bros award-winning products and ensure patients know how to dose and access digital testing results. Find out when Baked Bros will be at your neighborhood dispensary and don't forget to bring a donation!

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/baked-bros-gives-back-to-veterans2018-11-01T00:00:02-07:002018-11-01T00:00:02-07:00Baked Bros Gives Back to VeteransBaked Bros
Baked Bros is offering unlimited Buy One Get One on all of its edibles to members of the armed forces on Veterans Day. The special is available at select Arizona dispensaries, including: All Greens, Greenhouse of Flagstaff, MüV Dispensary, Nirvana Center, Prime Leaf, and TruMed.

Baked Bros was established by U.S. Navy veteran Thomas Rimbach and Nadeem Al-Hasan. The veteran-owned company is dedicated to the patient community and committed to informed medication. Specifically formulated to provide patients with an accurate way to dose, Baked Bros' award-winning products deliver patient consistency that is unique to the industry. The innovative brand also offers digital access to testing for each and every one of its products. Patients can go online and use the UPC code to view the exact test results of their purchases.

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Baked Bros maintains rigorous testing standards despite minimal state requirements. The award-winning Arizona brand is an innovative leader in the infused-product market that tests for pesticides, mold, and potency; offers a money back guarantee; and offers digital access to test results for each and every product.

Currently, safety provisions are self-imposed by dispensaries. The Arizona Medical Marijuana Act does not enforce mandatory testing or safety standards for cannabis.

“We strive to put the best products on the shelves for patients. Just because the state hasn’t established standards, doesn’t mean we don’t have our own,” stated Nadeem Al-Hasan, co-founder of Baked Bros.

Innovation has become synonymous with the millennial-owned brand. It is the only cannabis company in Arizona to offer a one hundred percent money back guarantee for patients.

In 2018, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 1420 to establish medical marijuana as an agricultural commodity. The bill required testing for mold, the disclosing of chemicals used in production, and confirmation of labels, just like other crops.

Baked Bros has tested for contaminants since 2016, long before the bill was a discussion. Due to the company’s progressive approach, the Senate invited co-founders Nadeem Al-Hasan and Thomas Rimbach to provide their input on the new regulations. They attended three meetings and were the only representatives from an edibles company who were included on this counsel.

Though the bill fell short of votes, Baked Bros continues to focus on company transparency. Along with testing for contaminants, the brand’s manufacturer labels display actual strain names and packaging dates. Patients can go online and view the exact test results of their purchase using the UPC code, the last four digits of the manufacturer label.

“This is about improving the infused-product market,” explained Rimbach. “There is a lack of verifiable information for patients and we want to be the ones to provide it.”

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/dea-turns-over-new-leaf-wants-more-marijuana-grown-in-20182018-09-06T10:24:00-07:002018-09-06T10:24:38-07:00DEA Turns Over New Leaf, Wants More Marijuana Grown in 2018Baked Bros
The DEA is opening the door for more scientific research on cannabis and will increase the amount that can be legally grown by more than quintuple.

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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is opening the door for more scientific research on cannabis. In a new Federal Register filing, the agency will increase the amount of marijuana that can be legally grown by more than quintuple. The amount will rise from roughly 1,000 pounds in 2018 to more than 5,400 pounds in 2019.

These new quotas for cannabis are in order to meet U.S. medical, scientific, research, industrial, and export needs for the year, while allowing for the establishment of reserve stocks. Additionally, the DEA plans to reduce opioid production levels in the U.S., including: oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, fentanyl and others. Uttam Dhillon, DEA Acting Administrator, explained in a recent press release:

“This significant drop in prescriptions by doctors and DEA’s production quota adjustment will continue to reduce the amount of drugs available for illicit diversion and abuse while ensuring that patients will continue to have access to proper medicine.”

The DEA’s cultivation initiatives appear in response to the licensing of more legal growers for research that was enacted under the Obama administration. More than two dozen applications have already been filed under the expanded program, though the Department of Justice has blocked any actions on these proposals by the DEA.

Despite continued opposition against federal legalization of marijuana by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the DEA's new quotas offer a hopeful outlook. For the rest of the year, the DEA will boost production to more than 2,500 pounds of cannabis, which is more than double the 978 pounds first proposed for 2018.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-concentrates-in-arizona2018-07-20T13:20:00-07:002018-07-20T13:24:26-07:00What You Need to Know About Concentrates in ArizonaBaked Bros
Here is what the 170,000 medical cannabis patients in Arizona need to know about concentrates.

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The status of concentrates in Arizona is now hazy. A recent state appeals court ruled concentrates are not protected by the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA), due to the the different definitions of “marijuana” and “cannabis,” and how to define the variety of concentrates now available on the market.

Though the ruling will be appealed, the process could take as long as a year. In the meantime, here is what the 170,000 medical cannabis patients in Arizona need to know.

Some Arizona dispensaries are withdrawing concentrates, but others will continue to offer them to patients.

Dispensaries have not been ordered to remove concentrates, and until the Department of Health announces otherwise, some will continue to manufacture and sell these products.

If you choose to continue using concentrate products, be aware of your surroundings when consuming.

It is illegal to consume in public, while driving, or on government property.

Conduct yourself with caution around police.

Though your medical marijuana card can be part of an affirmative defense in other medical states, it provides no protection in states without a medical program. Do not travel in Arizona with more than your 2.5-ounce legal limit of flower.

How Arizona patients can act politically:

Contact your local state legislator and let them know how important your medicine is to your health and quality of life.

Call the office of Rep. Pam Powers-Hanley (D-Pima) who will take up the issue in the next legislative session.

On a local level, contact your mayor, city council members, and local law enforcement officials. State that you want their commitment to not prosecute concentrate cases.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/is-cannabis-smoke-better-than-cigarette-smoke2018-05-11T08:43:00-07:002018-05-11T08:48:03-07:00Is cannabis smoke better than cigarette smoke?Baked Bros
What are the risks of smoking cannabis versus cigarettes? Whether you prefer one or the other, both have consequences.

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What are the risks of smoking cannabis versus cigarettes? Whether you prefer one or the other, both have consequences.

Smoke itself is bad for the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Whether from burning wood, tobacco, or cannabis, dangerous carcinogens and toxins are released from the combustion of materials. Smoke also contains environmental free radicals which promotes early aging and wrinkles.

Cannabis Smoke Studies have not found a correlation between moderate cannabis use and lung, head and neck cancers. A 2015 study found no association with decreased lung function when smoking the equivalent of a joint per day for up to 20 years.

However, cannabis smoke still irritates the lungs, and can lead to the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco. These include daily cough and phlegm, frequent lung illness, and a higher chance of lung infections.

Researchers are still investigating the effect of secondhand marijuana smoke on humans. In a 2016 rodent study, rats took three times longer to return to normal function after exposure to cannabis smoke in comparison to cigarette smoke. This study has not been conducted on humans who do seem to more effectively metabolize smoke toxins than other animals.

What researchers do know is that the toxins and tar found in cannabis smoke could affect vulnerable people, such as children or people with asthma.

Studies are looking at cannabis compounds as a prospective treatment for type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Cannabinoids have shown protective, anti-tumor effects in the lung, breast, prostate, skin and other forms of the disease.

Alternatives

For those who prefer to not smoke, but still want to consume cannabis there are other options. Baked Bros has developed easily dosable THC Syrups and Gummies to gain the medicinal benefits found in cannabis without the downsides of inhaling smoke.

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Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), a renowned anti-cannabis legalization group, recently released a new poll on the population’s views on federal marijuana law. Conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling, the verdict showed an overwhelming majority of Americans oppose current federal policy.

The poll asked 1,000 registered voters their opinion on different legalization options, rather than a simple yes-or-no response.

The options were:

Keep current policy (which prohibits possessing and using cannabis for any purpose).

Legalizing “physician-supervised medical use.”

Decriminalizing pot by removing criminal penalties for use and allowing medical, but prohibiting sales.

Legalizing the commercial production, use, and sale of marijuana for recreational use.

Only 16 percent favored keeping the current federal laws, 5 percent supported decriminalization, and 1 percent were not sure. Full legalization was backed by 49 percent, while 29 percent backed only medical.

The response from registered Republicans was also surprisingly progressive. Despite being predominantly more conservative on drug policy issues, only 25 percent of Republicans favored keeping current federal policy. About 72 percent supported either medical marijuana legalization or full legalization, which was split evenly at 36 percent each.

Overall, 83 percent of Americans opposed the current federal stance, which is a rarity in most polls.

The results demonstrate how U.S. politicians lag behind the public’s views on marijuana. The poll's single largest group supported legalization, while only a handful of lawmakers have supported legalization bills in Congress.

For instance, a bill to legalize marijuana federally, but would allow states to maintain their own prohibitions, only has a single sponsor and 25 cosponsors in the House of Representatives, which includes more than 400 legislators.

Another bill that would prohibit federal law enforcement from interfering in legalized states only has one sponsor and 40 cosponsors support.

Currently, federal prosecutors are able to go after businesses and users in states where marijuana is legal, due to Jeff Sessions' repeal of the Obama-era Cole Memo. This decision exemplifies why federal cannabis policy has remained at a standstill despite its lack in popularity.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/the-top-420-celebrations-in-the-u-s2018-04-20T08:00:00-07:002018-04-20T09:42:41-07:00The Top 420 Celebrations in the U.S.Baked Bros
Despite its hazy beginnings, 420 has become an international cannabis holiday. Here are the top 420 celebrations happening throughout the U.S.

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There are many myths surrounding the origin of 420. Some say it started as the police code for "Marijuana Smoking in Progress," others at a California high school in San Rafael. Despite its hazy beginnings, 420 has become an international cannabis holiday.

Here are the top 420 celebrations happening throughout the U.S.

1. Hippie Hill – San Francisco, California

This year is expected to be the largest gathering yet as California celebrates its first year of legalization. The Hippie Hill 420 event takes place at Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park.

2. Mile High 4/20 Festival – Denver, Colorado

For those in the mile high city, Lil Wayne and Lil Jon will take the stage at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver. The free event is an all day affair, other headliners include: Inner Circle, The Wailers and Whitewater Ramble.

3. Two Flowers CBD Beer Fest – Portland, Oregon

Coalition Brewing is bringing CBD into the 420 spotlight. The free 420 beer fest will feature a selection of CBD-infused beers for a green buzz.

High Standards Agency is creating a total 420 Holiday Experience with live entertainment and interactive festivities. The event includes CBD massages, joint rolling classes, hash press demos, live painting, pop up shops, skateboarding demos, acroyoga, and more.

5. Merry Jane and Postmates’ 4/20 Raffle - Online

Snoop Dogg is raffling six pairs of tickets to his 5th Annual 420 Wellness Retreat. His cannabis-focused site MERRY JANE is teaming up with delivery app Postmates for the raffle.

6. Sons of Hemp – Detroit, Michigan

This event is a decadent treat with infused foods, happy hour product discounts and an after party. Part of the proceeds will go to Women’s Healing Journey From Cancer.

7. Baked Bros "Pass the Love" – Phoenix, Arizona / Online

Baked Bros invites patients to share their story of how Baked Bros changed their world. Those who enter have a chance to win a commemorative 420 print. To share visit here.

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Former NFL player and Heisman Trophy Winner Ricky Williams has launched his own cannabis brand called Real Wellness by Ricky Williams.

Dispensaries in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles have begun selling the products with online sales planned later this spring.

According to the company, the line includes six products sold as salves, vape cartridges, and tonics containing, “hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or a mix of both.” They also contain extracts such as arnica, lavender and turmeric.

Williams said it’s a dream come true to merge his interest in healing and plant medicines into a business.

“I am known as a professional football player,” Williams told the Sun Sentinel. “In the last 14 years, I have been educating myself and training as a healthcare practitioner.”

Williams told the Sun Sentinel he thought the timing was right for his own brand because marijuana use is decriminalized in California, where he now resides.

“Surprisingly enough, our research found that the main demographic coming into the [cannabis] market are women ages 35 to 60,” Williams said from his home in Venice Beach. “Cannabis coming on the scene is a reemerging of herbalism back into our culture.”

To develop and launch the new venture, Williams has collaborated with OutCo, a Southern California medical marijuana dispensary and consulting firm.

“Our larger plan in the future is to find manufacturing partners in other states,” Williams said.

Recently, Williams caught media and fan attention when he tweeted that he was hosting a cannabis-friendly Super Bowl Party limited to 50 lucky guests at a private residence in the Hollywood Hills. The viewing party offered fans a one-of-a-kind experience where they could BYOW – Bring Your Own Weed.

“It was a fun experience, it was a healing experience and it was a networking experience,” said Williams. “And we were treated to a very good game.”

In February, Williams announced his partnership with Superego, a hemp-based streetwear brand whose mission is to raise awareness of hemp and change the fabric of reality.

As a long-time advocate for cannabis versus opioids in professional sports, Williams is a recognized speaker in the industry. He was the keynote at the 2017 Southeast Cannabis Conference and Expo, World Medical Cannabis Conference and Expo, and presented at Pro Athletes Pro Cannabis events.

Best known for his days in the NFL, Williams won the 1998 Heisman Trophy and played for the Miami Dolphins as a running back. He was suspended by the NFL twice for marijuana use.

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According to a new poll, an overwhelming majority of Arizona’s registered voters support legalization of cannabis.

The poll asked registered voters, “Would you support or oppose a proposal that Arizona regulate and tax cannabis like alcohol?”

The voter opinion survey by Consumer Choice Centers and OH Predictive Insights found 62.9 percent of total respondents would support legalization of cannabis, while only 24.3 percent outright opposed and 12. 6 percent were not sure.

Despite this positive response, a bipartisan initiative to put recreational marijuana on the November ballot failed to pass in the statehouse.

"Lawful adults purchase the product and come back to Arizona and use the product anyway," stated Representative Todd Clodfelter (R) who plans to present another bill next year, according to an interview with KVOA. "The dollars we're losing to California, Colorado and Nevada could stay in Arizona."

Whether medical or recreational, marijuana is still very much a partisan issue for Arizona’s elected officials. The poll broke down results into subgroups by party, age, gender and if the respondents lived in rural or metropolitan areas.

Support for regulating and taxing cannabis like alcohol was highest in those individuals 18 to 34 years old (72.5 percent), Democrats (68.9 percent) and Independents (61.7 percent).

Those who self-identified as Republicans (48.2%), 65 years old or better (50.9%) and those living in rural areas (49.8%) indicated the lowest support toward reforming Arizona’s marijuana laws. Republicans and those living in rural areas were the only subgroups with less than 50 percent support.

More than 600 registered voters were surveyed including 189 Republicans, 222 Independents and 190 Democrats.

With the poll’s margin of error only +/- 4 percent, this overall increased support to legalize cannabis could forecast change in the coming years. Arizona voters narrowly rejected a legalization effort back in 2016.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/out-of-state-mmj-card-holders-can-use-cannabis-in-az2018-03-30T07:52:00-07:002018-03-30T07:52:00-07:00Out-of-State MMJ Card Holders Can Use Cannabis in AZBaked Bros
Visitors to Arizona who have a medical marijuana card can possess and use cannabis in the state.

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Visitors to Arizona who have a medical marijuana card can possess and use cannabis in the state.

A three-judge panel in the Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the decision citing the voter-approved Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. According to the Arizona Republic, this provides “visiting qualifying patients” the same immunity as state residents with medical marijuana ID cards. This includes a physician recommendation under California’s Compassionate Use Act.

The ruling centered on a 2016 case in which state police indicted Stanley Kemmish Jr., for one count of possession of narcotic drugs, and one count each of possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Kemmish had a California medical marijuana card and argued he was allowed to possess the items because he had a doctor’s recommendation.

The court opinion noted, "Whether another state's medical marijuana law requires an identification card, a physician's letter, or some other documentation is immaterial, so long as the documentation is sufficient under the law of the issuing state."

Though out-of-state medical marijuana card holders can possess and use, they are barred from buying marijuana from Arizona dispensaries.

Since medical marijuana was legalized in 2010, the Arizona program has grown steadily. Last year, Arizonans purchased 1.3 million ounces or about 86,637 pounds. There are currently around 153,000 participating patients.

Though voters failed to pass an adult use legalization initiative in 2016, Arizonans may have a chance to try again. The Arizona Republic reports Rep. Mark CardenasandRep. Todd Clodfelter have proposed House Concurrent Resolution 2037. The ballot measure would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use and grow up to six plants.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/how-to-be-a-desirable-cannabis-job-candidate2018-03-15T12:00:00-07:002018-03-15T12:00:00-07:00How to Be a Desirable Cannabis Job CandidateNadeem Al-Hasan
For college graduates and those who are ready to transition into the cannabis industry, here are the best cities to find a cannabis job.

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Legal cannabis is one of the fastest growing industries in the country, with programs in 29 states and the District of Columbia. The highly regulated market is looking to university graduates, especially those with scientific degrees, as a means of professionalizing the growing industry.

“For us, it is really [about] trying to change the industry, trying to change the stigma [by] bringing in qualified people,” stated Lilach Mazor Power in an interview with Forbes.

Power is the CEO and co-founder of The Giving Tree Wellness Center in Arizona. Her staff includes two highly trained chemists, as well as over two dozen college and master’s degree graduates.

This demand for qualified cannabis candidates has led to progressive programs in higher education. In 2017, Northern Michigan University became the first to offer a four-year degree in Medicinal Plant Chemistry, an accredited undergraduate program combining the business and science of medical marijuana.

Marijuana Business Daily estimates the industry employed between 165,000-230,000 full and part-time workers in 2017. Recruiting firms like Vangst and Viridian Staffing specialize in cannabis talent acquisition.

Hiring positions cover a wide range of sectors, from botanists and chemists to financial analysts. In the past year, college graduate placements have tripled, explained Vangst CEO Karson Humiston to Forbes.

For college graduates and those who are ready to transition into the cannabis industry, here are the best cities to find a cannabis job according to ZipRecruiter.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/what-is-cbd-and-why-do-many-popular-cannabis-products-have-it2018-03-08T14:00:00-07:002018-03-08T14:26:08-07:00What is CBD, and Why Do Many Popular Cannabis Products Have It?Nadeem Al-Hasan
A cannabis plant has at least 80 of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The ability for CBD to provide therapeutic benefits without the typical marijuana high makes CBD very popular.

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The “green rush” has swept the country with marijuana going mainstream and industry investors striking gold. Although recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in most states, there is a compound found in cannabis that is legal. Cannabidiol or CBD can be sold in most forms by itself, creating a whole sub industry especially in the wellness community. But what is in CBD and why do people want use it in so many products?

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant that does not produce any psychoactive effects. The compound that produces the high or euphoria-like symptoms associated with marijuana is Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. A cannabis plant has at least 80 of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The ability for CBD to provide therapeutic benefits without the typical marijuana high makes CBD very popular.

How does CBD help?

Although research studies on cannabis and CBD is limited, multiple studies have shown evidence that CBD is helpful in treating a number of illnesses. It can treat epilepsy, help in schizophrenia therapy and provide some reduction in joint pain. CBD is often used in pain relief and to reduce anxiety and depression.

A former Chief Resident at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Goldstein now runs L.A. medical cannabis practice Canna Centers and acts as a medical advisor for Weedmaps.“Many adults are finding relief of pain, better mobility due to less inflammation, and less anxiety and depression.”

The making of CBD

Marijuana and industrial hemp, a legal variety of the plant, contain CBD. Extracting CBD from legal industrial hemp makes it possible to sell products containing CBD across state lines and not only in states with legalized cannabis. Currently, more than 40 states can legally sell the compound and more states have begun to discuss the issue.

CBD’s purported effects of reducing stress and anxiety have prompted many to adopt it as a wellness supplement.“CBD is like taking a daily dose of well being. You’re going to be a little bit more calm, a little bit more centered, and you know that you’re going to be able to function,” said Jewel Zimmer in an interview with Healthyish. Founder of boutique cannabis company Juna, Zimmer explains, “It’s like the adaptogen of all adaptogens, the superfoods of all superfoods—and we’re learning more and more every single day.”

How do you take CBD?

The market is bursting with new CBD products in a large array of options from vaporizers and sublinguals that reach the bloodstream quicker to edibles like chocolates and gummies. Skincare lotions and supplements also contain CBD as a popular natural ingredient for pain-relief and more.

Things to know

A number of medical experts feel CBD extracted from industrial hemp is less potent than that derived from marijuana. Industry experts advise researching the company and asking for test results. It's important to know the exact cannabinoid content and who they use as a medical advisor before purchasing.

"As a rule, I do not recommend industrial hemp as medicine," says Dr. Goldstein. "That being said, there are some “hemp” products on the market that, when tested, show that they contain medicinal amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes, albeit with very low THC that allows for the “hemp” designation."

To get the full benefits, CBD products generally require regular use. However, it is possible to feel some immediate effects after consumption. Consider your own personal needs when deciding between options. Inhaled products deliver faster effects than sublinguals or ingested items but the benefits will also fade much faster. For more of a daily wellness supplement, look at slower releasing edibles, syrups, capsules and oils with clearly marked dosages easy to add into your regular routine.

New CBD infused products are on the rise, in topical form or as supplements, and soon restaurants and bars will be adding CBD into their menu items and cocktails.

Baked Bros is known for their dedication to medication with education to select the right cannabis products for your needs.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-money-as-a-cannabis-user2018-02-28T14:00:00-07:002018-03-08T08:38:08-07:00How to Make Money as a Cannabis UserNadeem Al-Hasan
A groundbreaking new study on medical marijuana is paying cannabis smokers to help contribute to the scientific research.

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A groundbreaking new study on medical marijuana is paying cannabis smokers to help contribute to the scientific research.

Eligible research participants will receive payment for their participation in an anonymous series of surveys in a long-term, yearlong study of medical marijuana. Dr. Suzanne Sisley, one of the medical field’s most prominent cannabis researchers, leads the groundbreaking study. Sisley has teamed with the University of Michigan in the joint effort to study how medical marijuana has affected the lives of patients. The team has also released an alternative, one-time survey to reach more participants who may not be interested in or eligible for the yearlong commitment.

Sisley hopes to study the specific effects medical cannabis has on patients’, “pain management, quality of life, and the use of other medications,” Vice News reports.

Cannabis Research Participant Eligibility

Both versions of the study generally require adult participants, 18 years or older. Those involved in the long-term survey must have a medical cannabis certification in the state where the user resides, while the short-term survey allows for users of medical marijuana in any state where recreational cannabis is legal. Interested candidates meeting the eligibility requirements may contact Dr. Kevin Boehnke at the University of Michigan to enroll.

The Michigan study allows Sisley to continue blazing new trails in the cannabis research community. In the past, Sisley’s progressive medical studies have faced contention. Before moving to the University of Michigan, Sisley previously worked with the University of Arizona and John Hopkins University where both appointments ended in controversy.

In 2014, Sisley was abruptly let go from the University of Arizona, where she first earned her medical degree. This occurred a few months after the federal government granted her permission to study the effect of marijuana on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although Sisley was given a rare approval by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the university terminated her without an official explanation with no allowable appeals, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Sisley told the Los Angeles Times in 2014 that she believed she was fired because publicity from the grant offended Republican legislators overseeing the public university.

"This is a clear political retaliation for the advocacy and education I have been providing the public and lawmakers," Sisley told the paper. "I pulled all my evaluations, and this is not about my job performance."

In 2017, Sisley joined Johns Hopkins University with plans to study the effects of medical cannabis on veterans with PTSD. However, the study dissolved due to federal rules requiring the marijuana used in the trial to be grown by the government. Researchers found the government-grown weed was moldy and did not have enough THC for an effective study, the Washington Post reported. Johns Hopkins chose to back out of the study before any patients ever enrolled.

Primed for success over previous research projects, the University of Michigan has given Sisley its official seal of approval with widespread calls for participants in the two surveys. It appears unlikely any Michigan legislators will take offense to the subject matter, because of 2016 legislation that allows licensed dispensaries to sell medical cannabis. Plus, Northern Michigan University recently added a cannabis major to medical studies program.

Users interested in getting paid to smoke cannabis and contribute to scientific research may contact Dr. Kevin Boehnke from the University of Michigan at kboehnke@mich.edu.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/california-welcomes-mike-tysons-cannabis-resort2018-02-21T11:00:00-07:002018-02-21T11:00:00-07:00Watch for Mike Tyson's California Cannabis ResortNadeem Al-HasanMore]]>
California’s legalization of marijuana is very attractive to new and current cannabis entrepreneurs. Enter former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and his partners who in December broke ground on a plot for a 40-acre cannabis resort and ranch in California City. Located in the Mojave Desert, the town is a short 110 miles northeast of Los Angeles, which makes it a perfect location for a quick weekend getaway.

The Washington Post reports Tyson and his business partners Robert Hickman and Jay Strommen have been eager to jump in and capitalize on the legal marijuana business.

The Blast reports Tyson Holistic will run the resort operating under the name Tyson Ranch.

A lush green cannabis resort in California’s Mojave Desert

Tyson Ranch plans to set aside 20 acres for cultivation by “master growers.” According to The Blast, the property will also feature educational facilities to help growers refine their craft or learn to become a master grower.

Additional plans for the cannabis resort and ranch include an edibles factory with visitor tours, an amphitheater and areas for glamping up close to the emerald plants.

Jennifer Wood, California City’s mayor, is also pretty excited about the new venture’s economic impact for the town. At the groundbreaking of the cannabis resort last fall, Wood said the ranch would help engineer a “rebirth” for her town, a planned city that never flourished the way its developers in the 1950s envisioned.

Tyson’s partner Hickman told The Blast the “undeveloped lands” in California City “are primed to be cultivated.” The City has sought to boost its economy in recent years by attracting cannabis-related businesses.

Tyson Ranch will grant consumers and growers a safe haven to come together and enjoy the benefits of the plant. Although the legal sale and consumption of recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21 went into effect on Monday, January 1, the law does not allow people to smoke or consume cannabis in public places, bars or buildings outside of their homes.

The heavyweight champion has been a long-time user of cannabis and has spoken in the past about it during his boxing career. Fined in 2000 for testing positive for marijuana, Tyson’s technical knockout and win against Andrew Golota was changed to “no contest.” This new marijuana experience and cannabis resort venture look like a much more positive one for Tyson with huge potential for lucrative benefits.

Keep an eye out for Baked Bros’ award-winning edibles coming to California dispensaries in the near future.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/bipartisan-legislation-takes-arizona-one-step-closer-to-marijuana-legalization2018-02-12T12:10:00-07:002018-02-12T12:10:00-07:00Bipartisan Legislation Takes Arizona One Step Closer to Marijuana LegalizationNadeem Al-Hasan
New legislation may lead to Arizona's legalization of recreational marijuana.

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New legislation may lead to the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Arizona for those 21 and older. Rep. Mark Cardenas, D-Phoenix (District 19), and Rep. Todd Clodfelter, R-Tucson (District 10), introduced House Concurrent Resolution 2037 that sends a ballot measure to voters.

What it allows:

Legalized marijuana of one ounce or less for personal use.

The cultivation of not more than six marijuana plants in the State of Arizona.

Excise tax on the sale or transfer of cannabis.

What is prohibited:

Public consumption of marijuana.

Driving under the influence.

"The voters sent us here to do our job. They have clearly indicated that they want society to move toward the acceptance of marijuana. In other states, it's paying for the rule assessment of hospitals, schools, roads, and we need that funding here," Cardenas said.

This bipartisan legislation provides regulations to prohibit the operation of cannabis businesses in their communities. However, it does not limit the rights of medical marijuana patients and dispensaries under the Medical Marijuana Act. Current medical marijuana laws will remain intact.

According to Clodfelter, "I believe that marijuana legalization is an eventuality in Arizona. As a Legislature, we need to decide if we want that effort imposed through a potentially poorly-crafted initiative or if we want to help write a law where we can fully vet each measure, weigh feedback from stakeholders, and build flexibility into the system in case changes are needed.”

If approved by the House and Senate, the bipartisan proposal by Cardenas and Clodfelter will provide a way to legalize marijuana in November when Arizona voters have a chance to express what they want at the ballot box.

Williams tweeted, “Want to join me for my cannabis-friendly #SuperBowl party in the Hollywood Hills? Limited to only 50 spots …” To request a personal invite visit williamssuperbowlparty.splashthat.com.

The Super Bowl viewing party offers a full-fledged game day experience for fans 21 or older. Early bird tickets start at $250 per person with festive high-lights including an open bar and classic tailgate fare.

To round out the game day experience, Williams will give an exclusive pre-game preview and take photos. Attendees will get to watch the pros with a former pro in a cannabis-friendly environment that will be BYOW – Bring Your Own Weed.

Slated for Super Bowl Sunday, February 4, from 2 – 8 p.m., the event location has not yet been revealed. However, the website confirms it will be held at a private residence in the Hollywood Hills. The official invitation will be sent by email and include a secret password to access the ticket link and the address to the party venue.

Arizona reached new record highs well above last year’s sales in its medical marijuana program. Sales increased in 2017 by nearly 50 percent over 2016, according to a new report by the Department of Health Services who oversees Arizona’s medical-marijuana program.

Edibles – such as syrups, sprays and food – represented about 3,718 pounds.

The number of cardholders allowed to buy and carry cannabis in Arizona increased to nearly 153,000 people, up from about 114,000 in 2016.

Men represent nearly 62% of the patients and also used the program the most in the last year.

Consistent with Baked Bros patient feedback and testimonials, chronic pain significantly surpassed other conditions in the report as the most cited reason for using medical cannabis.

Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA), allows people with certain debilitating medical conditions to use marijuana. Narrowly approved by voters in December 2010, the AMMA went into effect on April 14, 2011. This made Arizona the fourteenth state to adopt a medical marijuana law. The AMMA designates the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as the licensing and issuing authority for the Arizona Medical Marijuana Program.

Baked Bros has been an authorized edible company in Arizona since 2015 with numerous awards for its accurately-dosed, great-tasting and effective products.

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https://bakedbros.com/blogs/news/baked-bros-raises-medical-marijuana-standards-granting-patients-digital-access-to-individual-product-test-results2018-01-17T13:00:00-07:002018-01-17T13:12:54-07:00Instant Digital Test Results for Each and Every Baked Bros ProductNadeem Al-HasanBaked Bros stays true to its medical core offering digital access to test results for each and every product. Designed to improve company transparency, the new service aligns with Baked Bros’ pioneering reputation and “Dedication to Medication.™”

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Baked Bros stays true to its medical core offering digital access to test results for each and every product. The new service aligns with the brand's award-winning reputation and “Dedication to Medication.™”

“Companies are rarely transparent with product testing and when they are they display one result for thousands of products. We wanted to give the patient community more,” stated co-founder Nadeem Al-Hasan.

Now patients can go online and use the UPC code, the last four digits of the manufacturer label, to view the exact test results of their Arizona Baked Bros purchases. Manufacturer labels also display actual strain names and packaging dates on each product.

Baked Bros Pourable THC Syrup is a revolutionary product in the world of cannabis-infused edible products. Flavors include Grape, Cherry, Strawberry-Kiwi, Mango, and Watermelon. Each batch is strain-specific, allowing patients to choose between sativa, indica, and hybrid options. It can be purchased in bottles containing either 300 or 600 milligrams of THC. With 10 milligrams being a widely accepted standard dose of THC, the active ingredient responsible for the "high" of cannabis, either bottle will last a while for most patients. What sets this product apart from imitators is the consistency of the syrup, which doesn't separate over time. It can be added to drinks or simply consumed on its own. Similar to a tincture, if you choose to hold the liquid in your mouth, it will be absorbed sublingually and you will feel effects in five to 10 minutes.

The Original Baked Bros Pourable THC Syrup is highly absorbable, effective, and great tasting. Formulated for accurate dosing, the syrup also is diabetic-safe, vegan-friendly, as well as gluten- and fructose-free. Patients usually report alleviation within thirty minutes when consumed orally, followed by therapeutic effects lasting as long as six hours.

As Arizona’s medical marijuana patient population grows, more companies are looking to expand in the state, while existing companies will no doubt fight to stay on top.

The patient population is now up to 136,515 patients as of July 2017 according to theArizona Department of Health. This is more than the state of Colorado, which only has 91,658 active medical marijuana patients as of last month. 65% of the Arizona patients are new applications and the most common ailment is chronic pain.

Baked Brosedible company is in over 70 licensed dispensaries – the most of any other edible. The company has two key products – a medicated gummy and a pourable THC syrup that is like a tincture. “We don’t want to be mediocre at many products, but prefer to be great at one or two,” said Nadeem Al-Hasan, a founding partner of Baked Bros. Their products have won awards from High Times, AZ Marijuana, Cann Awards and named a Best of Phoenix winner. Since founding the company in 2015, Baked Bros. has grown 130% each year and experienced 133% growth in gross sales from 2016 to 2017.

The latest business to announce their plans to enter the state is Colorado-based edible brandWana Brands. It signed an agreement with Florida-based AltMed to sell the products in Arizona. The company has a medical product called WanaCapsXR that comes in a pill form and is timed-release medicine. Wana hopes to be in the market by the end of the year.

Mergers are also happening in Arizona among the dispensaries as cultivators like Harvest merged with Modern Flower to become the largest operator in the state. So, it will be critical for Baked Bros to hold onto its place as a leader. Al-hasan said that his company visits two to three dispensaries a week offering training and education to the customers about the Baked products.

Baked Bros co-founder Thomas Rimbach also pointed out that the company offers a money back guarantee on their product as the most consistent edible in the state. The product is made in small batches and is tripled tested for pesticides, fungus and accuracy in labeling. Even though the company is strong in Arizona, it is working towards expanding and selling products in California.

While Arizona doesn’t have legalized adult-use marijuana, a group called Safer Arizona is working towards a ballot initiative for 2018. If that happens, Al-Hasan said they will participate in that market as well.

With an increasing number of legal cannabis dispensaries across the country, there’s more emphasis on training for dispensary patient consultants, known as budtenders, who become many patients’ primary resource for information on cannabis products.

From all their time spent in dispensaries,Baked Bros™has developed a comprehensive budtender training program.

“The major emphasis is that dispensary workers are the direct extension to the patients. ‘Joe and Jim’ at the dispensary might not have a medical background, but they’re working with people with severe medical conditions. They need to be HIPAA compliant,” Nadeem said.

“[At the seminars] we’ll give quite a few pieces of tangible educational materials. The education includes what our products are – our products can be measured and dosed.”

Nadeem talked to Cashinbis about what makes a good budtender and shared his “dedication to medication.”

What makes a good budtender?

Just from walking into a dispensary and conversing with a patient consultant, I can tell how it’s going to go. If I go in and say “I have epilepsy, what’s going to help?” and they say, “Do you want daytime or nighttime?” – that’s not going to make sense or help a patient. That shouldn’t be the first question. A good budtender is aware of the products, so that they can recommend the best fit.

And they’re aware of what’s in the products. For example, know that if Brand A is labeled with 100 mg of total cannabinoids and Brand B is labeled with 100 THC, it’s not the same thing. I’ve met budtenders that were unaware of this, and it’s a world of difference.

Another thing a good budtender knows is – what’s the active ingredient? The quality of the ingredients is important too. A lot of patients don’t want high fructose corn syrup, for example.

Budtenders also need to be mindful that even though it’s your favorite, it might not work for Susie or Grandma.

What makes a badbudtender?

The main challenge is ego. A lot of people share the same vision, which is helping patients. Some dispensaries just want to turn out products because they have a retail mindset. Some have an ego that they know everything, and that their budtenders are educated — to their standard.

Budtenders need to be able to accurately define every step of the process. I don’t feel this will continue to be an issue in the industry for long, because people are beginning to notice.

What is the challenge in teaching patients about edibles?

Many patients didn’t like edibles because they didn’t take the right dose. We’ll teach them how to find your dose. 1 ml is 5 mg of THC. When you take a sub-lingual, the bioavailability is significantly increased. What I mean by that is with a syrup or sublingual, you bypass the stomach and get right into the bloodstream. A cookie or brownie might take 45 minutes [to take effect], but a sublingual could be anywhere from 5-15 minutes.

Edibles are arguably the most efficient method. When we ingest edibles, our liver converts THC, but not when we smoke it. We get the canna-connoisseur who is very confident, tries an edible and finds out a 10 mg joint cannot be compared to a 10 mg edible.

A lot of patients don’t know their dose. If you have the right dosage, you can make it more effective. My dose is 25 mg. With our pourable, I’ll take 1 ml every 20 minutes. Staggering the dose extends the duration of the relief that you get.

In what direction are your training programs headed?

We use secret shoppers – a third-party company provides the shoppers, who are patients, and provide detailed reports on dispensaries. We can provide them a list of questions – if it’s related to our products it’ll be something like, ‘Was Baked Bros recommended?’ We share the positive or negative results with the dispensary.

[The training program] adds more emphasis on the budtenders. There’s a high turnaround. I go to every dispensary on a monthly basis and there are new faces every time.

We’re working on a standard template or video for budtenders to view before they get on the floor. Even if you’re starting at Applebee’s, they have a video so that you know the core values and what’s expected on the job.

We’re working on having a space to host our own seminar outside a dispensary. We see a need to not only educate our patients, but a larger audience who are unaware or misinformed.

REPORTING FROM LAS VEGAS— Attention to detail, testing your tester and the popularity of microdosing were the takeaways at a panel on ensuring consistency in infused products held at the MBJ Biz Conference held in Las Vegas, Nov. 16.

“Infused edibles are growing as a product category at an impressive rate,” said panel moderator Julie Berliner, founder and CEO, Sweet Grass Kitchen. “Operating a cannabis kitchen-based business requires consistency; making your process uniform is the only way to succeed.”

“Attention to detail is job number one,” said Nadeem Al-Hasan, co-founder, Baked Bros. “We focus on individual products and dosing. We’re adamant about this message. We don’t want people to overdo and overmedicate and have a bad experience and never come back to edibles.”

Mindy Segal, chef and consultant, Mindy’s Edibles by Cresco Labs, started out as a chef. “Coming from a chef background I was interested in making products that had great taste first and foremost. Adding a hyperactive component for me comes after.”

MICRODOSING

“We have a lot of customers who are just coming to cannabis and looking to microdose,”said Segal. “They don’t want a lot of the hyperactive effects.”

“It took us a long time to come up with small dose, safe products,” said Berliner. “It was a challenge. The recreational market doesn’t want to be overwhelmed.”

“Microdosing allows for a consumer to spread out their intake,” said Al-Hasan. “Rather than taking a 25mg dose and feeling the effects come on strong and heavy a consumer can take 5mg doses in a sequence over an hour.”

The panel agreed that microdosing was the trend in infused products. “Microdosing is the new frontier,” said Al-Hasan. “The companies that figure out how to get it right will prevail.”

TEST THE TESTER

Testing your products, a requirement in many states, is probably the biggest headache for the edible producers. “Your relationship with a lab is critical,” said Christine Smith, founder and CEO, Gron Chocolate, who processed over 1000 chocolate bars last year. “The testing is not the same in every lab. This makes it really difficult to gage your levels and meet compliance.”

Smith’s state, Oregon, only allows 50mg per serving. “If your test comes back at 50.2mg the batch has to get tossed,” she said.

Al-Hasan suggested “testing the tester” by sending purposely manipulated product to different labs to see what they come up with. “There are four different testing facilities in Arizona. We overcooked edibles, overheated carbonated oils, and manipulated the products to see what the labs would come back to us with. Some of the labs sent us back reports showing what they thought we’d want to see. We don’t have a relationship with those labs.”

He also advised testing all components of the cook. “Test the flower, the oil, and then the product.”

Smith tests her active ingredients twice before using it in her product. “By the time the chocolate comes out we’ve nailed it and know exactly what it’s going to be,” she said.

Berliner said finding a tester who met her standards was challenging. “It took me years to find a lab was comfortable with,” she said. Berliner also said that finding a strain that is consistent was the key to finally nailing down a testing partner.

“If someone eats an edible today and then again in five months it should be consistent in taste, dose and experience,” she said.

GOOD KITCHEN PRACTICES

Al-Hasan is a follower of the small batch rule. “When you increase the size of the batch there’s more room for error,” said Al-Hasan.

Hiring a food scientist is good business, suggested Segal. “Your relationship with the person who handles the dosing is the key to making sure the product comes out the same every time. It’s essential.”

Segal, who owns a restaurant, also stressed the importance of treating your cooking facility like any standard licensed kitchen.

“Pay attention to detail,” said Al-Hasan. “Check your process.”

“You want the same experience over and over again,” said Smith. “Consistency is important. Know who you are working with if you are buying your distillate or oil. Find an outfit that’s transparent.”

TO TASTE THE TERPENES OR NOT?

The panel varied on whether the consumer wants a product that tastes like cannabis. Smith works to make a product that “has zero cannabis flavor and tastes like chocolate” and removes all terpenes from her product; Al-Hasan said many of his customers, “want to taste the terpenes.”

It was suggested that opposing positions steamed from Al-Hasan’s state, Arizona, being a medical-only system while Smith is from adult-use state Oregon. “The recreational market is a completely different market than the medical one,” said Smith. “There are people who have never had a cannabis product and would be put off by a product that had a heavy terpenes taste.”